Psychology

Empirical research is based on observed and measured phenomena and derives knowledge from actual experience rather than from theory or belief. 

A quick way to determine if a study is an example of empirical research is to ask yourself, "Could I recreate this study and test these results?'. Key characteristics to look for:

• Specific research questions to be answered
• Definition of the population, behavior, or phenomena being studied
• Description of the process used to study this population or phenomena, including selection criteria, controls, and testing instruments (such as surveys)

Data can be collected in a variety of ways such as interviews, surveys, questionnaires, observations, and various other quantitative and qualitative research methods. 

Empirical research is typically published in scholarly journals and therefore follows a specific format. You'll find information divided into several sections: 

• Abstract: a brief summary of the article.
• Introduction: presents what is currently known about the topic -- usually includes discussion of previous studies -- presents research question
• Methodology/Design: -- includes information on who (information on participants) and how (research procedures used, like interviews, surveys, questionnaires, or other methods) -- you should be able to recreate this study based on the information in this section -- if you do not see this section or information, you probably do not have an empirical research article 
• Results/Findings: what was learned through the study -- usually appears as statistical data or as substantial quotations from research participants
• Discussion/Conclusion/Implications: why the study is important -- usually describes how the research results influence professional practices or future studies
• References: A list of sources discussed & cited by the authors within the article -- many of these references come from the Introduction section. 

Review Articles are scholarly articles that provide a critical evaluation of existing studies in a field or on a topic. These articles do not provide new research but help guide the conversation on a scholarly topic by pointing out areas where more research is needed, the main people working in a field, recent discoveries, and debates. These types of articles can also be great ways to find empirical research on a topic because they will likely cite many articles in the References section.